Dexter Roberts diagnosed with Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Former American Idol alum Dexter Roberts has revealed he was forced to drop out of this summer tour after being diagnosed with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).

“After months of hospital and doctor visits, I finally have a diagnosis. I have Rocky Mountain spotted tick fever, with symptoms of fever, rash, headache, abdominal issues, shortness of breath and muscle pain,” the country singer wrote on his Facebook page on July 31.

Dexter Roberts made it to the Top 7 on the most recent season of American Idol before being eliminated. He believes he contracted the disease shortly after the American Idol Season 13 finale in May, while on a turkey hunt in Kentucky.

“I found several ticks on me throughout the four-day hunt, but that is nothing unusual for turkey hunting,” he wrote.

“Shortly after the <<American Idol>> tour started, I started having severe headaches, chest pains and muscle weakness on my left side, along with tremendous abdominal issues and shortness of breath. The medical facilities, while on tour, were unable to make a diagnosis. After my return home from the tour I found myself, once again, back at a hospital emergency room, where the doctor discovered a rash in my head from the tick bite.”

RMSF is a commonly reported yet potentially fatal disease.

Dexter Roberts said he started taking medication last week.